By Brian Cahill
A few months ago I shared with you an experience I had on vacation when my type 1 diabetic brother’s blood sugar dropped dangerously low, almost requiring a trip to the hospital. It was scary, but it awakened me to the seriousness of the disease.
Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, but people at risk for type 2 diabetes may be able to stave off the disease through lifestyle changes, and that’s where Shore Physicians Group’s new CDC Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) comes in. It’s a year-long series of classes for people with pre-diabetes to help them incorporate sustainable lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
New DPP groups are forming now, so if you’re pre-diabetic, I hope you will consider signing up. I wanted to tell you more about the program, but the best testimonials come from the participants themselves. I happen to have one of them working in our marketing department, Beth Ann Spiegel, who was eager to share her experience with you:
I knew I was at risk for developing diabetes because it runs in my family. I also had gestational diabetes with both of my pregnancies, which alone makes me 50% more likely to develop type 2. I’m a busy mom who works full-time pretty far from home, so it’s a struggle to find the time and energy to make those lifestyle changes I know I need to make, like regular exercise and eating a balanced diet. When I heard about the Diabetes Prevention Program, it felt like exactly what I needed.
Our program is run by Doreen Fitzpatrick, APN, who went through extensive CDC training to become a facilitator and is a diabetes expert in her own right. She is kind and compassionate, makes the class fun, and inspires us to keep going.
The goal for participants is to lose 5 to 7% of our body weight by the end of the first six months. At the end of the second six months, we have to have maintained that weight loss. We learn the importance of logging our activity and food, portion control, how to read nutrition labels, and so much more. But the best part for me is the accountability and camaraderie.
Sustainable lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight or with fad diets. We all lead busy lives or run into road blocks, and this program gives you a safe place to discuss those road blocks and find solutions. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I can tell that my mindset is changing. For example, instead of spending my lunch break sitting with colleagues in the cafeteria every day, I go for a long walk instead whenever possible so I make sure I get 150 minutes of activity each week, which for me makes a huge difference.
Are you interested in participating in Shore Physicians Group’s Diabetes Prevention Program? The first step is to take the eligibility test at www.ShorePhysiciansGroup.com (just click ‘Services’ and then ‘Specialty Centers’) and follow the instructions for submitting your results. If you are eligible, you’ll receive a phone call from an SPG team member about the next steps.
Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center/Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association, an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University, and is a founding member of Somers Point-Community First, a local volunteer organization.
